AG is pleased to announce that Kyra Orvis, a member of the AG Design Team, received the 2025 SAGE David A. Green Memorial Award at the Environments for Aging Conference and Expo in Lexington, Kentucky.
SAGE is a diverse organization, co-founded by David Green, committed to inspiring and creating environments where older adults can thrive. For 30 years, the group’s members have leveraged collaborative opportunities to engage in research, education, advocacy and innovation. SAGE celebrates the incredible industry contributions of Green through the annual David A. Green Memorial Award. The program reinforces Green’s passion for education and designing environments for older adults. As such, recipients are awarded an Environments for Aging conference experience. To qualify for the award, applicants must have less than five years in the senior living industry and demonstrate a passion and commitment for serving older adults.
Orvis joined the AG team in 2023 after receiving a Bachelor of Science in Architectural Studies from the University of Wisconsin – Milwaukee. Her passion and commitment to serving older adults stem from helping raise her younger sister with Down Syndrome. This experience introduced her to the plethora of challenges that come with different mobility and cognitive abilities. Through navigating life with her sister, Orvis learned early on how to pay attention to environmental and other factors that support or hinder providing care. Furthermore, when she wasn’t caring for her sister, she often designed homes in The Sims (a virtual reality game), among other architectural games/software. This platform provided an opportunity for her to explore and create different types of environments.
“Since the beginning of my professional career, I have uncovered a deep passion for designing spaces that meet the needs of adults at different care levels, from independent individuals to older adults with more intensive healthcare needs,” says Orvis. “The senior living industry perfectly suits my commitment to design and caregiving.”
“The Society for the Advancement of Gerontological Environments (SAGE) is proud to continue David Green’s legacy and passion for inspiring up-and-coming great minds in the senior-living industry by administering the David A Green Memorial Award. As one of this year’s two award recipients, Kyra Orvis inspires many by turning the award’s educational and networking opportunities into real momentum. Kyra’s passion for enriching the everyday lives of older adults, and her deep belief that thoughtfully designed spaces can improve well-being shine through in everything she does. The insights and relationships she’s gained at the Environments For Aging Conference (EFA) are only the starting line, and we can’t wait to see the remarkable contributions she’ll make next. Past recipients have gone on to shape policy, elevate design standards, and champion resident-centered innovation throughout the senior-living field, and we’re confident Kyra will amplify that legacy.” –Lori Bridgeman, SAGE Director of Operations
EFA Insights – A Q&A with Kyra Orvis
As one of the two award recipients, Orvis relished the opportunity to experience her first Environments for Aging Conference and Expo. See what she says about the educational and networking opportunities and her time in Lexington.
Q: What was the most interesting educational session you attended?
Orvis: There were so many worthwhile sessions, I wished I could be in two places simultaneously. However, of particular interest was one called—When Granny Wants Ganja. It may seem like a humorous topic, but it was quite insightful. It was fascinating to hear how cannabis is becoming a viable option to other medications, and how more education is needed so caregivers better understand the proper dosing.
The other session that stands out for me was a project-focused case study, which shared an affordable housing concept that embraces an intergenerational mixed use opportunity. There were so many inspirational aspects of these projects that I hope our team can explore with clients in the future. I am passionate about creating more intergenerational interactions within the built environment to support a kinder, more understanding society.
Q: What products caught your attention at the Expo?
Orvis: Sound by Samuelson was my favorite by far. The company has transformed its chair into a fully capable Bluetooth speaker. It is well-designed and functional. I love immersive experiences.
Q: Share some networking highlights. Who did you meet?
Orvis: Everybody!!! Mothers, grandmothers, sisters, brothers, uncles and everyone under the sun. As an award winner, I was scheduled with different people for every meal, session and event. So truly, EVERYBODY I met was noteworthy. If I have to single out one person though, it would be Vernita Green, the wife of David A. Green. It was an honor to meet her as part of the award recognition event.
Q: What did you enjoy about Lexington?
Orvis: The view of The Square shopping center from my hotel room was my favorite. For those who have not been before, all the shops line the main street, resembling a larger European block. Inside, it evokes a grand mall with design highlights such as black and white tiling and an atrium space.
Q: What was your overall impression of the EFA experience?
Orvis: I feel very fortunate. It was a great opportunity to listen, learn and immerse myself in the senior living industry. I wish more students and young professionals could afford this experience. While some of the educational opportunities and topics are very familiar to the returning and experienced attendees, there is so much valuable information to support the foundation of an emerging professional’s career.